Leonardo's Restored Winery Museum

02/03/2019 18:05:00

Leonardo's Restored Winery Museum

Not many people know that Leonardo de Vinci loved real wine. As someone who grew up in Tuscany, it is really not surprising, so it is intriguing to visit The Atellani House, which is today – The Casa Degli Atellani museum. This is where Da Vinci's winery gardens were located.

Leonardo received his fine winery in the 16th century from Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, as part of the payment for the painting of the Last Supper by Leonardo in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

The winery was restored after it was destroyed in a bomb attack in which the church was also damaged. Recently it was rebuilt, based on ancient plans and photographs that remained before World War II. Today, they take pride in the ability of local experts to create the white wine that Leonardo loved so much.

The History of the Winery

Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, gave this winery to the great artist Leonardo da Vinci as a tribute and as part of the payment for painting the Last Supper performed by the latter. The painting at the monastery church opposite the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, is still considered one of the most important works of art in the world.

From the Renaissance until before World War II, the winery operated continuously. In the bombing of the Allies in 1943, the local Atellani House was damaged and the area remained closed for decades.

Towards the end of the 20th century, the winery was reconstructed and rebuilt according to ancient plans and photographs that remained from before the war. Researchers who excavated the site also discovered the remains of the vineyards from the time of Leonardo. From modern genetic tests they believe that after 11 years of research, they have succeeded in cracking the vine species that was grown here, to grow it again and produce wine. Today they offer the kind of wine that grew here during Leonardo da Vinci’s life and was probably a favorite of the renowned artist and wine-lover.

At Attellani, the lovely place that has also been restored, you will see magnificent frescoes, wonderful etchings and various artworks.

Tips

Make sure that the card you buy online, to see the painting "Last Supper," also includes the free entrance to this winery.A Closer Look: